I notice a few posts about "take off barrels"; that a Ruger will fit a Winchester and vice versa and maybe other combo's that I do not remember. I have two "sporterized" P14/P17 rifles that are not doing much? Are there any popular "take off" rifle barrels that will fit these actions? If so, I will keep a look out for them. Thanks.

howdy,
the enfield barrels will NOT screw into anything I know off.. but you can turn them down and rethread for just about anything.

So, nothing take off, except from an enfield will work.. so, just send those "junk actions to ole jeffe.. he'll give em a home in their old age
jeffe

While the answer is probably the same, I am looking to buy a "take off barrel" that will screw into the P14/P17 receivers rather than attempt to use the barrels on other actions. I was once offerred a Weatherby barrel (378) for free but was unsure just how much machining would be required to make it work. Any advice or thoughts? Thanks.

This one's pretty simple. This action has square threads. While it's a source of distinction that makes it that much better than others, in my opinion, it also makes it impossible to consider other barrels to simply "screw on."

It never occured to me to screw on a Rem 30 barrel but I suspect it might work. You'd be better off, if you were in possesion of a good Rem 30 barrel, to sell it to someone with a Rem 30 action, than to use it on a 1917.

The main reason I posted was to say that you should start keeping an eye on eBay as you'll occasionally see a barrel for sale there. You could then buy the barrel and hope that it spins on just right, or just shy, of 12 o'clock for the sight. It's not an easy matter of spinning the front sight into alignment as I believe it's sweated on, has some pins, etc., and would be a bit of a job to do...counterproductive. I must also mention that you would be up against potential headspace issues by traveling down this path.

Good luck.

Reed

More clarification: my P14 and P17 both have existing barrels, P14 in 303 Epps and P17 in 30/06. I just thought I would keep my eyes open for another calibre "take off "barrel. What is a square thread? Do most barrel makers offer barrels for the P14/P17? Thanks.

Pretty much all the barrel makers can cut the threads for the Emfield. As I recall, the threads for the P14/17, Rem 30, and Rem 720 are all the same, but 30's and 720's are a lot more rare the 14/17's. - Dan

What calibers are you wanting? I have an extra '06 and will have an extra 458 soon enough.
If you can swing it I would call Pac-Nor or Lothar and check with them for a new barrel. You will have a much better shooter with those than a take-off.
Frank

hiredgun, if you do find a new barrel for your P14, I would be interested in purchacing your 303 Epps barrel if it is in usable condition and not damaged from removal. Thanks, Roger.